Italy, with its diverse economy and rich cultural heritage, continues to attract professionals from all over the world. Whether you’re planning to work in Italy, are an expat already living there, or simply interested in the European job market, understanding average salaries in Italy in 2026 is essential.
This comprehensive guide breaks down the latest salary trends by industry, occupation, and region — helping you get a realistic picture of what to expect when working in Italy this year.
1. Overview of Italy’s Economic Landscape in 2026
As of 2026, Italy’s economy is showing gradual recovery and stabilization after years of moderate growth. Inflation has slowed, employment rates are improving, and the government continues to invest in digital transformation and green energy.
The average gross salary in Italy in 2026 is estimated at €33,800 per year, or approximately €2,816 per month. However, salaries vary widely based on experience, education, job type, and region.
While northern cities like Milan, Turin, and Bologna offer some of the highest wages in the country, southern regions such as Calabria, Sicily, and Puglia still lag behind in average pay.
2. Average Salaries by Sector in Italy (2026)
The Italian job market is characterized by both traditional industries and growing modern sectors. Below is a breakdown of average annual salaries across key industries in 2026:
| Sector | Average Annual Salary (€) | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Information Technology (IT) | €45,000 – €75,000 | Rapid growth due to digital transformation. High demand for AI, cybersecurity, and software roles. |
| Finance & Banking | €40,000 – €70,000 | Strong recovery driven by fintech and investment banking expansion. |
| Engineering & Manufacturing | €35,000 – €60,000 | Stable employment with increasing automation. |
| Healthcare & Life Sciences | €32,000 – €65,000 | Demand remains high for doctors, nurses, and lab technicians. |
| Education & Academia | €25,000 – €45,000 | Stable but lower pay; varies significantly between public and private institutions. |
| Hospitality & Tourism | €22,000 – €35,000 | Seasonal fluctuations; boosted by renewed tourism in 2026. |
| Construction & Real Estate | €30,000 – €50,000 | Growth driven by infrastructure and housing investments. |
| Retail & Commerce | €24,000 – €38,000 | Wages improving slightly due to e-commerce integration. |
3. Average Salaries by Job Title in 2026
Different professions in Italy command vastly different pay scales. Here are some of the most common jobs and their average annual salaries:
| Job Title | Average Salary (€) |
|---|---|
| Software Engineer | €55,000 |
| Project Manager | €48,000 |
| Accountant | €40,000 |
| Marketing Manager | €46,000 |
| Teacher | €32,000 |
| Registered Nurse | €38,000 |
| Sales Executive | €35,000 |
| Architect | €42,000 |
| Factory Worker | €28,000 |
| Waiter / Hotel Staff | €24,000 |
In-demand jobs in 2026 include data analysts, cloud architects, renewable energy specialists, and healthcare professionals, particularly in the northern regions.
4. Regional Salary Differences in Italy
Italy’s salary structure strongly reflects its north-south economic divide.
- Central Italy (Tuscany, Lazio, Marche): Mid-range salaries, typically €30,000 – €38,000 per year.
- Example: Rome — average salary of €37,000 per year.
- Southern Italy (Sicily, Calabria, Puglia): Lower salaries, between €24,000 – €30,000 per year.
- Example: Palermo — average salary of €27,000 per year.
Expats and local workers alike tend to find more job opportunities and higher wages in industrial or financial hubs like Milan, Bologna, and Turin.
5. Factors Influencing Salaries in Italy
Several key factors determine how much an employee earns in Italy in 2026:
- Experience and Education – Workers with advanced degrees or certifications earn up to 30% more than those without.
- Company Size – Large corporations, especially multinationals, offer better pay and benefits.
- Industry Demand – Sectors like IT, finance, and healthcare continue to drive up wages.
- Geographical Location – Northern cities offer significantly higher salaries.
- Language Skills – English fluency and bilingual skills are rewarded, particularly in international roles.
6. Gender Pay Gap in Italy (2026)
While Italy has made progress, the gender pay gap remains around 10–12% in 2026. Women in managerial or technical roles still earn slightly less than their male counterparts, though new EU regulations are pushing companies toward greater transparency and equality.
7. Cost of Living vs. Salary in Italy
Salaries in Italy must be considered alongside the cost of living, which varies dramatically by region.
- High cost regions: Milan, Rome, Florence — rent and transportation are the most expensive.
- Moderate cost regions: Turin, Bologna, Verona — good balance of salary and living expenses.
- Affordable regions: Southern Italy — lower wages, but also lower housing and food costs.
For example, a professional earning €2,800 per month in Milan may spend €1,200–€1,500 on rent, while someone earning €2,200 in Naples may spend less than €700 on similar accommodation.
8. Salary Outlook for 2026 and Beyond
Experts predict that average salaries in Italy will rise by 3–4% annually over the next few years, thanks to inflation adjustments and productivity growth.
Emerging fields — such as green technology, artificial intelligence, healthcare innovation, and digital marketing — are expected to offer some of the best-paying opportunities going forward.
Additionally, flexible and remote work continues to gain popularity, allowing employees to work for international companies while living in Italy’s more affordable regions.
(FAQ)
1. What is the average salary in Italy in 2026?
The average salary in Italy in 2026 is around €33,800 per year or approximately €2,816 per month before taxes.
2. Which jobs pay the most in Italy?
High-paying jobs include IT professionals, finance managers, engineers, medical doctors, and project managers, with salaries ranging from €50,000 to €80,000 per year.
3. What is the minimum wage in Italy in 2026?
Italy does not have a universal minimum wage. Instead, wages are determined by collective labor agreements (CCNL) for each industry, typically starting from €1,000 to €1,200 per month for entry-level roles.
4. Are salaries higher in Northern or Southern Italy?
Salaries are significantly higher in Northern Italy, especially in Milan and Bologna, compared to southern regions like Calabria or Sicily.
5. Is it expensive to live in Italy?
The cost of living varies — major cities like Milan and Rome are costly, while southern towns offer a lower cost of living and more affordable housing.
Conclusion
In 2026, Italy offers a wide range of salary opportunities depending on your industry, experience, and region. While the north continues to dominate in terms of higher wages and job availability, the digital transformation is slowly bridging the economic gap across the country.
Whether you are an Italian worker, an expat, or a job seeker considering relocation, understanding average salaries in Italy helps you plan your career, negotiate better pay, and choose the best location for your professional goals.